China Rejects “Illegal” EU Carbon Tax on Airlines

The Chinese government announced on Monday that it would prohibit its airlines from paying a controversial “carbon tax” on flights to and from Europe imposed by the European Union, putting the continental regime in a tough bind as it seeks assistance from Beijing to tackle the region’s spiraling debt crisis. Unspecified retaliatory measures will be taken if the EU persists, according to Chinese officials, who say the taxes violate international treaties.

The Chinese government announced on Monday that it would prohibit its airlines from paying a controversial “carbon tax” on flights to and from Europe imposed by the European Union, putting the continental regime in a tough bind as it seeks assistance from Beijing to tackle the region’s spiraling debt crisis. Unspecified retaliatory measures will be taken if the EU persists, according to Chinese officials, who say the taxes violate international treaties.

The U.S., Indian, and Russian governments are also vehemently opposed to the EU taxation scheme — supposedly aimed at tackling “climate change” based on controversial United Nations theories that “global warming” may be linked to human activities. A broad coalition of airlines around the world has balked at the tax as well. And analysts say the EU could be instigating a global trade war.

"China hopes Europe will act in the light of the broader issues of responding to global climate change, the sustainable development of international aviation and Sino-European ties, strengthening communication and coordination to find an appropriate solution acceptable to both sides," an unnamed official with China's civil aviation authority was quoted as saying in media reports.

And if the EU does not back down from what governments around the world have blasted as an “illegal” tax, there will be consequences. "The Chinese side will also consider taking necessary measures to protect the interest of the Chinese public and businesses based on developments," the unnamed official said in a statement.

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